The First Bend in the Yangtze River is the spot where the southward moving river suddenly formed a “V” shape and moved northwards because it was blocked by a mountain. In doing so, the river deposited a lot of silt, thus making the soil in the area very fertile (which it still does). Over time, a village came up around this area and has now formed the Shigu Town. From ancient times to date, the town was the link between Tibet and the rest of the world via the waterway making it a commercial hub. On market days the town can be very crowded with traders selling hides, skins, tea, salt, traditional medicines, herbs, handmade fabrics, and other items.
